Friday, December 30, 2005

I'm trying to write a retrospective of 2005. I can't think of anything! So much has happened this year - personally and globally. Globally it kind of sucked. I know people who were affected badly by hurricanes and someone who still hasn't recovered from experiencing the Tsunami in the Maldives. Personally I can't believe when I look back at photos of Oscar in January how much he's changed. It's the first full year I've had him in my life (jan - dec) and I can't quite remember what my life was like before.New Year will bring new things - teaching Monkey Music starts on Friday 13th (kind of worrying). I'll probably be going back to admin work part time in February. I'm hoping I'll get pregnant next summer some time possibly.Some things have suffered this year - my relationship with Rob is changed beyond belief and has been rockier this past year than it ever has been. We'll have been married 10 years in May 2006 which is awesome. I wanted to have a big celebration but I don't think we can afford it.I still want to start my own business with Julie next year but financial pressures (ie me going back to admin work) may get in the way. I'll have to see.I don't know - I can think of profound statements. I can't write like some of my blogging friends who should be publishing their work it's so well written.Maybe inspiration will come tomorrow. I might try and make some resolutions.....that would be interestingI should have been going to a pantomime tomorrow but thanks to London Transport being on a tube strike, I can't.Oscar just came in saying "muuuney" - with 5p in his hand. How cute is my son! He was the best thing about 2005 and I'm sure I'll say the same this time next year.Oh by the way - Bonjour to Pearl's friend in France!

Thursday, December 29, 2005

I don't know what's been up with him today but he's been possesed by the naughty fairy. He's been grumpy and crotchety - throwing things. Whining.Then the classic - I was in the kitchen making soup when I heard him bashing the phone. So I went in and put it back where it was - on the windowsill (damn that climbing baby). I heard there was a message on my voicemail (it plays a broken dial tone so I can tell) and it's Lewisham Police Department - Oscar has dialled 999 (that's UK 911 for my US readers). They are asking me to ring them urgently to confirm all is well. I ring them and profusely apologise.Five minutes later two lovely policeman ring the doorbell. The call must have been too late. Oscar thinks it's fantastic - PC Plum from Balamory come to visit him. Again, I am red in the face and profoundly apologetic.I need to get a phone lock or something. He's a demon child when it comes to telephones. Even though it was on the highest surface, he managed to get it. And dial 999. I hope to heaven that no one really needed the policemen at 12pm today. I wonder how often that happens.....Only good thing - I know that the response is fast in my area - Oz made the call at around ten to twelve. I rang them at five to when I realised - and they arrived at 12 anyway....NAUGHTY Oscar!

Wednesday, December 28, 2005

It's nice to have time chilling out post-crimble fest. Rob is off work, we take it in turns to have a lie in....it's lovely. Oscar is such a laugh at the moment! He's on his trampoline a lot - pictured here in his Crimbo cardy - it's so funny with that hood. His other favourite thing is to go out in the garden and play with next door's cat - and his blow up football (Oscar's, not the cat's). It's very cold here all of a sudden - Christmas Day we were all in T-shirts. Now it's frosty and snowing - hence the very bundled up bubba - but he's having such fun outside we can't bear to keep him in!

I made a pie tonight -my first ever home made pie creation - turkey and chestnut with a puff pastry lid. I was quite proud of myself. It had wine in it and everything -very grown up - and very very tasty. I'm going to give Oz some tomorrow. (Don't worry - there isn't that much wine in it)

I was good and went to the gym today and did an hour on the treadmill/bike/crosstrainer combo. Then came home and ate chocolate. But still - I did an hour's exercise!We went to Basingstoke yesterday to visit friends - a married couple who are pregnant - Yuki and Simon. They met while Simon was working in Japan. Yuki, despite being 27 weeks pregnant - cooked us a Japanese feast for lunch - I can't remember what everything was called but we had rice balls, egg steamed with vegetables and fishcake, fried chicken and these "japanese pizzas" that she cooked in front of us on a grill on the table - cabbage and egg and squid and pork. We then covered them in sauce, mayo and bonito flakes which "danced" with the heat of the pancake. I cheekily asked to take the rice balls home and ate two of them in the car on the way home! Yum! Oscar was great fun - running round an un-childproofed home (they'll learn....give them time) and causing chaos. We put him in his jammies as we left and he stayed asleep despite being lifted out of the car, having his hat and coat taken off (it was so cold in the car) and stuffed into a sleeping bag. Didn't wake up till 8am this morning.I'm so in love with him at the moment. He's just so funny. Talking up a storm. Running round being giggly. Pretending -that's the big thing at the moment. He pretended a piece of pizza was a car - going brum brum with it. He tried to feed a little plastic doll a chip. (He does eat healthy food, honest....) He puts things on his head that shouldn't be there - like his toy Boo - and says "hat". He pretends he can't find his toy Boo and sits there holding it, while directing you to the corners of the room saying "there!" knowing full well it isn't - and laughing his ass off as he watches you search.He's trying to count - points at things and counts them off though he only says two. So it's two, two, two.... instead of one two three - but he's getting the idea. He also says BUM when he wants his nappy changed which makes me laugh so hard.Hoorah for toddlers.

Sunday, December 25, 2005

It's been a wonderful day. Oscar woke up early but I was up already, stuffing the very expensive amazing turkey my parents had bought. Oz had a stocking to open in the morning full of bathtime goodies from Rob's Mum and then he had a nap while we stuffed ourselves with roast turkey, roast potatoes, mash potatoes, sprouts, cabbage, peas, parsnips and lots of bacon wrapped sausages and stuffing. And bread sauce and gravy. Oz woke up as we started to open presents. We all did very well - Rob got me this and this amongst other things - they go very well together and I'm totally relaxed. I got lovely presents from my mummy friends - mainly chocolates - posh chocolates from one friend that were divine...also go well with the above.... Oscar had a blast. He got so many gifts - wonderful toys and books and bath games. And THIS. I don't think I've ever seen anyone love a present so much. He's been on it all afternoon and had to go to bed early because he was so tired.

All in all a wonderful Christmas Day. I hope you all had a marvellous, fun filled, well fed, loved up Christmas. I wish everyone a Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night.

Thanks to my AMAZING sister, I had my computer fixed at a proper computer fix it shop and it's running like a dream. All clean and back to factory settings but without losing anything so THANK YOU KIRSTI!!! I'm in the process of posting some pics up on the photosite for you now.My Dad is home from Georgia for Christmas, Rob is on holiday, Oscar makes us laugh every ten seconds and my puter is working. Life is SWEET!I've missed you all - I should do a Thirteen but I can't cos I have to reload so much software onto the pc I don't have time. But I will be able to keep you updated over Christmas now. I'm very excited. Our tree has so many presents underneath it! (Mostly for Oz of course).I'm just so relieved to be back online - you don't know how addicted you are until your supply is cut off!Ok - off to reinstall and tinker....

Saturday, December 17, 2005

Thank god they have computers. And it's Saturday so Rob is entertaining Oscar. It's quite busy here though and I have a stonking headache.So what to tell - did I write that I have officially passed my Monkey Music training? I can't remember....well I did - it all went really really well - I had great fun and I start teaching on the 7th January. I've got a shopping list a mile long of props I need to get - having problems finding an elephant! There's a song which has a camel, an elephant, a dolphin and a pony in it....and I have to find dressing up clothes too for the older age group! Scary but exciting. I really can't wait to get started.Oscar and I seem to be developing a cold today - he was a bit feverish yesterday and very snotty. I feel rough today.We've got a Christmas party to go to tomorrow with all my friends I met at my GP's post-natal group. I'm going to do a Monkey Music session (which may become a frequent thing at parties now...) and have made CDs for all the babies as presents (we're SO skint)Rob is off work from Wednesday - can't wait - so I can get some family time and a lie in or two!Saw Narnia last night - I really enjoyed it! Awfully British stiff upper lip fairy story. Very festive.That's all I can think of. I can't afford to get my computer fixed at the moment....so will log on from remote locations whenever I can.....

Friday, December 16, 2005

My friends are being lovely letting me check email and use their internet while I'm visiting! We're round at Julie's today - meant to be talking business but the babies are too much! Oscar is on a suicide kick -keeps falling over and banging himself. Neither he or Mya would sleep this morning and Oz only slept for an hour this lunchtime - Mya is still asleep.

I tried Saltfish fritters for the first time today! Julie is an excellent cook and is gently introducing me to Carribean cuisine - loving it. I'm a very big fan of saltfish fritters...yummmmm.

Ok - that's all - too antisocial to blog in company. My puter is still dead and I don't know when I'll be back online properly...grrrrrr

The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!View More Thursday Thirteen Participants

Saturday, December 03, 2005

I have a new gadget on my blog - look to your right and down a bit - above flickr - it's from Neocounter and it's very snazzy - tells me who is visiting my blog at anytime and from where...and then gives me the top five locations - UK, USA and Canada I think I know who my readers are....but Czech Republic? Peru? Wow! Thanks for checking me out. Makes me feel a little dizzy thinking someone in Peru is reading my blarting. (I keep having Paddington Bear moments ....deepest darkest Peru....). I honestly do forget that anyone apart from my stonecutters, mum chums, sister and Trace ever read this....Don't worry - I'll still keep blathering on in my usual manner. I started this blog to remember my own life as my memory is so bad, I can never remember what I did last week - now I can track back almost a year....I love that people read and respond to it - I never considered myself a writer and it's flattering and lovely that I'm not boring people to death and they come back for a visit now and then. Anyway - do leave me a comment if you're from somewhere exotic - it'll make my day! I hope the weather isn't too bad in Czech Republic. I hope I'm not boring you.I'm off to bed - doing a practice run for Monkey Music tomorrow morning chez moi - at least 8 babies plus parents expecting to be entertained/educated. Eek! At least if I mess up, it's in front of my mates so it's a good practice for my real training day next Saturday - where I have to do 3 sessions under observation.Monkey Music songs are whizzing round my head - hope I get some sleep!

The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

Wednesday, November 30, 2005

Nightmare came true today. I'd just decanted the little monkey from the car and put him inside - closed the outside porch door so he couldn't get out and got the shopping out of the back of the car. Turned back round - literally 10 seconds had passed - and he'd shut the door. I swore I'd put it on the latch but it mustn't have taken - and I was locked on the outside and Oscar was alone on the inside.I peeped through the letterbox and could see him - holding my keys in his hand. I cajoled. I begged. I pleaded. I made it a funny game. I bribed him with a biscuit from the shopping. He wouldn't give me the keys. He kept trying to insert them into the lock but he couldn't reach. Every time I tried to grab him he squealed and ran away. Then he found it highly amusing to shut the letterbox on my hand.I ran next door and used their phone to call my friend Marion who lives 5 minutes away and has a spare key. Thank GOD she was in. I was hyperventilating at this point.Then just as Marion pulls up in a screech - Oscar hands me the keys through the letterbox.Typical. Marion was lovely and totally understood me calling her - I had no idea if Oz would give me the keys. It's made me realise that I must NEVER leave Oz in the house even for 10 seconds unless I have my keys in my hand. I didn't even have my cellphone - that was indoors too....Lucky escape.The joys of parenthood. I think I aged 10 years in 10 minutes.I tried his Santa Suit on him today....whaddya think?

5. I'm going to the gym again today, for my gym induction. Who knows what that will be like....I'll let you know

6. I just found out my glucose tolerance is not good - which means I'm at risk for diabetes if I don't get my arse in gear and lose weight.

7. I've lost 3lbs this week already! wahoo!

8. I've been learning my Monkey Music lesson plan for my teaching training on 10 December - I woke up last night with "Snowman Stan" going round and round and round my head.

9. I wish I was in America for Thanksgiving (though that would make me gain 20lbs!)

10. I was looking through my jewellry box last night and found a plastic bracelet - I'd made it as a joke for my Grandfather when he was ill. My Dad gave it back to me after he died - he'd been wearing it all the time. It made me miss him a lot and remember him with a smile.

12. My parents have decided to come to my house for Christmas - this is a first - I've never cooked Christmas dinner for them and I'm actually really excited about it. Hope the bloody dishwasher still works by then!

13. I can't wait to see Oscar's face when we put the Christmas tree up. I keep thinking back to last year, when he was 4 months old at Christmas - what a difference it will be this year!

The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!View More Thursday Thirteen Participants

Ok - random or what. I'll try and think of something more profound for next week! And remember to have it in on time!

Thursday, November 24, 2005

I've become addicted to LBC Talk Radio for London and have often been tempted to phone in - well today I did and got on the air! I spoke to the lovely Angie Greaves who was talking about black taxis - do you love em or hate em? I called to tell her how much I love black cabs - so much so that I had them as my wedding cars - black cabs with white ribbons - very classy. I may now become addicted to calling in. I highly recommend LBC as an entertaining station - they have really good topics and some really mad callers (I am not one of them...). Iain Lee is particularly funny from 4-7pm.OOO they should pay me to advertise for them!HAPPY THANKSGIVING to my American readers! Hope you're having a day of turketastic loveliness.

Wednesday, November 23, 2005

As you can see above, I've succumbed to the Adsense....I just thought I'd try it for a few weeks to see if I make any money - to be honest I don't really understand how it works....but what the hey....So apologies for the blatant commercial plugs at the top of the blog (I couldn't work out how to do it discreetly in the sidebar). Feel free to curse my materialistic tendencies and complain vociferously about Google taking over the world....I'll do anything for a bit of cash! (Well....not anything....)

A fun meme - I was reading Dixie's archives today - she's moving so suggested we make do with reading her past....(miss you Dix - hope the move is going well) and saw this meme....A is for Age - 34B is for Booze – Cocktails – things that don’t taste like alcoholC is for Career – Still waiting for my big break as an actorD is for Dad's Name – Roy. Roy Reeve – doesn’t that sound like an action hero?E is for Essential items to bring to a party - GlitterF is for Favorite song at the moment – Romeo and Juliet by Dire Straits – just rediscovered it…G is for Goof off thing to do – I don’t get a chance! I have a one year old!H is for Hometown – London, EnglandI is for Instrument you play – I don’t. Used to play clarinet when I was a kid…J is for Jam or Jelly you like – Strawberry – Bonne Maman in particularK is for Kids – Oscar the greatest!L is for Living arrangement – One husband, one child and a lot of messM is for Mom's name – Her real name is Geraldine but she hates it so goes by GillN is for Names of best friends – Tracy, Joyce, Pearl, JulieO is for Overnight hospital stays – Osteomyelitis when I was a kid – 3 weeks in hospital for that one I think, then tonsils out and finally gall bladder removalP is for Phobias – Spiders, noises in the night and looking out of windows when it’s dark (Salems Lot the movie scarred me for life)Q is for Quote you like – “We are all of us in the gutter but some of us are looking at the stars” Oscar WildeR is for Relationship that lasted the longest – I’m still with my first boyfriend! 15 years next year.S is for Siblings - One sister – hello Kirsti!T is for Texas, ever been? – I have! Stayed with Mary in Dallas and had the best chicken fried steak and hospitality ever.U is for Unique trait – I can put my foot on my head. Not bad for a fat lass. I used to smoke with my toes too but I don’t smoke anymore….Vegetable you love - CornW is for Worst traits – Messiness. And procrastinationX is for Xrays you've had – Ankle, armY is for Yummy food you make – Roast dinner –chicken in particularZ is for Zodiac sign - LeoI won't tag anyone - go ahead and nick it you lot!

Monday, November 21, 2005

Oz is still asleep so I was watching This Morning while unpacking the dishwasher and saw Il Divo.

Blimey.

I think I'm in love. This is Urs (strange name but he's Swiss.) He's a man, not a boy - same age as me. And I love him. He can sing.Am I sad? I must be - they did a duet with Celine for christ's sake. But I think I may now put Il Divo on my Christmas list.(I'm dreading the comments now...specially from Moxie)

Last night was a nightmare and nothing to do with Oscar. The fusebox tripped out at around 10.45pm. I couldn't work out what was tripping it - eventually isolated it to one circuit - the one that the dishwasher, washing machine, fridge and freezer are on. Turned everything off, tried the fuse again - tripped. No matter what we did....So we had to take all the food out of the fridge and freezer and put it in the one in the shed - so traipsing up and down the frosty garden in my nighty.This morning - another trip down the garden with Oscar yelling blue murder at the back door. I turned the circuit back on again and now it's working. Can't work it out at all.And the TV tuning has gone - the Sky channel (AV channel on the TV) is snow. So no telly till we work out what's wrong.Not a fun morning. Julie rang - Mya is ill so she didn't come to the gym - and I was tempted to bunk off myself but I DIDN'T! I went on my own and did a body conditioning class and actually feel much better (you were right Jodi). Oz is asleep - I'm going to have a shower, give him lunch and then go to Gambado.Trying to keep positive.

Sunday, November 20, 2005

or at least that's how it feels today. We're seriously broke and I can't wait until pay day - we are going to have to tighten our belts BIG TIME next month to get through - and that will mean a frugal christmas.

I'm feeling a bit low today - don't know why. Worrying about money. Worrying about my weight. Feeling fat and ungainly - my back has been killing me for months now and I'm sure it's because I'm heavy and Oscar is heavier and I carry him round so much. He won't stay on the hipseat I have so I'm always lugging him about. I need to be lighter!

Next week is my first full on gym week - class on Monday, Wednesday, mini class on Friday morning followed by gym machines. I think I'll go to aqua fit tonight too.

FED up. Don't really know what to do to cheer myself up - not eat chocolate certainly. Not have a ciggie - and I can't think of anything else....

Spent the day yesterday sound dubbing for The Witches Hammer. Saw all of my footage - very good in my modest opinion. Certainly not as bad as I thought I might have been - Ms Beacham knocked my confidence a lot...

I had to go down to Southampton on the coach as they've run out of money! 5 hours travelling in total there and back. Not much fun. And I had to forfeit my precious lie-in this morning as Rob didn't get his yesterday. Maybe that's why I'm so fed up and blue.

Ah well -I need to go and clear up my car - it's such a mess -and sweep the leaves off the front drive.

9. I really enjoyed the Take That documentary last night though I was never a fan. It was quite sad really - especially Robbie saying he'd swap 14 Brits for a family and happy life. He seems such a sad person. So does Howard.....

10. I want to buy the new Enya album and I don't care what anyone says. I like her.

11. My favourite food is Sushi

12. I have been having really bad ciggie cravings but have resisted - haven't smoked for 2 years now.

13. I hope a lot of you take this meme on and do it - it's such fun! (though hard to think of 13 things this morning - I'm dozy)

The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!View More Thursday Thirteen Participants

Wednesday, November 16, 2005

I did an aerobics class (not in the water - on dry land and everything) for the first time since I was about 16 today. And i HURT already! It was good though - have joined a local gym with my friend Julie and she's going to kick my butt and encourage me to go. They have a creche on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays and it's part of your membership. So I'll have no excuse not to go 3 times a week. They don't have a pool which is annoying but I still want to go and use the machines and do the classes.I hurt though!!! (I know I said that already but I do). I did a good workout - sweated a lot and was red in the face but didn't kill myself or strain anything (as far as I know). I realised that although I love doing aqua-aerobics, it doesn't work me as hard as doing it on land.Oscar is being manic again - running round like a mad thing all the time - eating sometimes like a starving thing, sometimes picky and not eating at all. I can't keep up with him!Having a busy week - spent Monday up in town at a brilliant place called Coram's Fields - a park right in the middle of Holborn that's just for children (you can't get in unless you're accompanied by a little one). It has large grassy areas, a small animal area, a vegetarian cafe and lots of swings, sandpit and climbing frames. Oscar had 3 firsts - his first sandpit, the first time I've ever seen him climb and slide down a slide on his own...and his first nosebleed. He fell over quite badly and grazed his chin and bonked his nose. It was upsetting for me but he didn't seem too bothered...I had an interview to become a Monkey Music teacher on Monday night and am now going forward to do a training day. If I'm successful there, I'll start teaching in January in Herne Hill - very excited about it.Tomorrow I'm off to Bluewater - haven't been there for ages....will be window shopping only though as we're SKINT this month! Ok - blathering over. Off to cook dinner and watch a documentary on Take That (how sad am I)

Sunday, November 13, 2005

The lovely Mama K has tagged me! I love being tagged....so thank you! Here are my answers... 7 celebrity crushes:George Clooney Goran Visnjic (oo that accent - when he recited Hamlet in Croatian in ER...swoon)Josh Lucas (in Sweet Home Alabama....yummm)Johnny DeppSean Connery (I know he's older than dirt but he SEXY)Tyson Beckford (those eyes....)Adam Brody (gotta love the geeks)7 Things I'm good at:Showing off!Mummy stuffActingSingingNetworkingLaughingMaking friends7 things I plan to do before I die:Have another babyLose weight (so I can...)parachute jumpGo to New ZealandScuba diveBe in a big budget movieGo to Hollywood7 things I cannot do:MathsAnything logicalSudoku (kind of covered by the above really...)Knit (though I want Kirsti to teach me)Tap dance (I've tried and I just can't do it)Touch my toes (I'm too damn fat!)Juggle (balls I mean. I juggle my life quite beautifully)7 things that attract me to the opposite sex:EyesSmileHeightLaughterBum!LegsIntelligence7 things I say often:OopsWhere's Oscar?Fuck (though that will have to change now he's getting bigger)Cuddle mummy......please....Blimey!Babe (I have this annoying habit of calling everyone "babe". I must stop it cos if it annoys me...it must drive my mates nuts)Yawn (does that count as a saying?)Ok...now to tag.....MoxieJodiKellJess

I'm probably going into business with Julie - we've got a very good idea for a service to fill a gap in the market - aiming at new mums and any mums really....don't want to say too much (you never know who's reading this and might nick my ideas) but it's really exciting. Got me all fired up. I've often thought about setting up my own business - I have such a myriad of experience from temping for 10 years from event planning to marketing etc....but have found in Julie a motivational person who thinks like I do, but who has strengths in the areas I am no good at (like finance and business plans). We make a good team. Watch this space!

Monday, November 07, 2005

See below! I'm still having problems with copying the DVD but should be able to sort it soon. In the meantime for those of you who missed it, start at the bottom and work up - I should have loaded them on in the opposite order!

Sunday, November 06, 2005

Thanks to everyone who sent emails and left comments asking about Oz - he's much better - I think he's over the nasty virus totally - he slept right through the last two nights which he hadn't done since we got back from America. So I feel better too!Thanks to the lovely Steve, I now have Basil on DVD. I'm trying to work out how to use Power Producer on my PC to edit it slightly and copy it - I can even copy it in US format so I can send it to my Stonecutter pals (and my sister).Ok - gotta go now as Rob wants the puter - just wanted to tell you all that Oscar is back to good health and his usual sunny self (he was so lovely today - woke up laughing and kept on all day AND ate spanish omelette with lots of veggies)

Saturday, November 05, 2005

Ok ok - this film has been out for a while and I've walked past it in Blockbuster thinking - naa - Boxing film - I hate boxing. Well tonight there was nothing on TV but we fancied watching a movie and it was on the pay per view. So I watched it with Rob and it was amazing. Such a beautiful, sad, moving film - nothing like I expected. A film that's made me want to read F.X.Toole. And write to Clint Eastwood to tell him how amazing he is (and can I please have a job). It's like Fight Club - another film I avoided because I thought it was one thing and it turned out to be another.So if anyone else out there is like me and didn't think they'd find anything interesting or moving about a boxing film - please watch it.I think it's one that will stay with me for a very long time.

Friday, November 04, 2005

Well it was on today - and I watched it with my friend Pearl and my friend Karen. I looked rough as...very swollen eyes - I had conjunctivitis thanks to Oscar - if you look back in the archives you'll see a photo....and I had flu. But I think I did a good job. They cut a lot of the stuff I was worried about -there's a bit when I fall in a well and they had me doing all sorts of silliness in there but they didn't use it!I was happy with it - very funny episode - lots of fart gags. And I was supposed to look rough as....I'm getting a copy on DVD on Sunday and will try and get some screen grabs for those of you who won't see it (my American readers). I'm also going to send a copy to my sister and if anyone who has a DVD player that will play UK DVDs....just ask me!It was fun to watch. Oscar didn't seem to notice so I'll have to save it for when he's a bit older.If you saw me - what did you think?

Thursday, November 03, 2005

My clever friend Ev found this website and I love it - you get all your friends to pinpoint where they are on a world map. I'm totally crap at geography so I love it. If you haven't already click below and...

Wednesday, November 02, 2005

I am B.O.R.E.D. I know I am, I'm sure I am, I am B.O.R.E.D.What can I say - a day spent TOTALLY indoors - the weather was horrible - I was tempted to go out anyway but he's ill and I don't want him to get wet and cold. We watched a lot of CBeebies. I made soup - yes from scratch - boiled a chicken carcass and everything. Oscar ate the soup. All of it. It took me all morning to make and he demolished it in half an hour. I should be happy because he ate....but it took so fricking long!!! Next time it's Campbells. Though Poppy you would be proud of me and my culinary skill - I've attempted soup before and it's tasted like water. This was very yummy. I boiled the carcass with leek, onion and cabbage (left over from the chicken dinner). Plus herbs and pepper (no salt as it's for baby) Then strained it all after 2 hours and reduced it (because it tasted of nothing). Then I added 2 carrots, half a leek, an onion (all the veg I had left) and some barley. Then after another half hour I liquidised it. And it was brown and thick and looked like real soup! And tasted like real soup! There must have been at least a pint and a half. Oscar drank/ate 5 cups worth. (There's one cup left. - how many pints is that?)With toast and cream cheese. He was hungry and able to slurp. So he's had a good meal tonight. I hope he sleeps better.I was SO bored I also ate a ton of chocolate (left over from Halloween) and made lots of popcorn and ate that too. I'm a sucker for boredom eating - it's one of my worst failings, that and comfort eating. If he doesn't get better soon I'll be the size of a house.OK I googled with Oscar's name as per K's suggestion in my comments:1. Oscar needs to rethink women (Kirsti's favourite)2. Oscar needs a stunt double (he bloody does - latest trick is to throw himself backwards, arching his back, while in your arms. Suicide baby)3. OSCAR is funded purely from donations and sponsorship (I wish)4. OSCAR NEEDS A CHANGE OF SCENERY. (that's so true - so do I)5. Oscar needs a good home (what are you trying to say...?)6. Oscar needs other people’s blood to fight his infection (I'd try it if I thought it would get us out of quarantine quicker....)7. Oscar needs a Friend (awww. He does miss his playmates. Mummy is dead boring after a while)Ok enough. It's going to rain again tomorrow and I may just think - sod it - and go to Gambado. He isn't drooling as much.....I know I'll probably infect someone's baby but fuck it - someone infected mine! I can't take another day like today....

Tuesday, November 01, 2005

First off thank you everyone for your positive comments and to the wonderful Moxie for the phone call today - thanks babe - kept me sane. I also got a call from my fellow Mum Andrea so that was nice - I sent out such self-pitying emails and the blog entry too - but those who know me know I don't do well on my own - I hate being in!!!

Actually we went out today - to my Mum's for half an hour and then to Greenwich to run in the park - Oz was going stir crazy too today. He did eat though so he must be on the mend - I got a chinese takeaway for lunch and he ate 4 mini spring rolls. And he ate 2 tidgy toads for dinner - thank god for Aunt Bessie.

Ok - as light relief here's something I stole from Nic - you go to Google and type your name + "needs" in a search and laugh yourself stupid at the results....

Here are my favourites:

1. Sally needs to be careful in applying for a mortgage2. Sally needs to be reminded to multiply before adding3. Sally needs to feel your desire to understand and connect with her4. Sally needs a "leg up"5. Sally needs an urgent medical operation costing her personally $500006. Sally needs $50000 to buy a Pete's Postage Post franchise (shame I spent it on the operation)7. Sally needs new shoes8. Sally needs to use MS-CHAP version 1 on her Remote Access Server

Ok maybe that last one was a bit boring. But it's funny - and when you're in quarantine you need a laugh! So thanks Nic!

Monday, October 31, 2005

Well that's how I'm thinking of it - he has hand foot and mouth disease. Which basically means he's in a very bad mood, can't eat anything because his mouth hurts, isn't sleeping well because his mouth hurts and is totally pissed off.So is Mummy as I can't go anywhere since he's contagious. He's drooling so much over everything. So no swimming or Monkey Music tomorrow. Don't know what to do with him - he's so bloody grumpy because he feels rotten. He throws tantrums if I try and take him in the garden or play. He'll sit in front of the TV but that's about it and we can't do that all day every day. I'll go mad!!!Any suggestions gratefully recieved - the weather is grotty so going out to parks isn't really in. What a fun few days we're going to have. NOT.

Saturday, October 29, 2005

Last night I went to the first ever screening of the film Everything To Dance For at the Rex Cinema in Piccadilly. I got all dressed up - very sparkly - and met Rob at Charing Cross. Mum babysat (and Oscar was quite difficult, wouldn't eat or anything).The film was wonderful - it was brilliant to see it up on the big screen. And Sasha, the lead, was amazing - she's only 17 (16 when we shot it) and she gives a very mature performance.Pearl Howie wrote, directed, produced and shot the film. It's a testament to her amazing talent as a film-maker. She's also my best mate. I'm very very proud of both her and Sasha.And even though I'm not at my most glam in this film, I am happy with what I did - got lots of lovely compliments last night which was fab.LATER....Oscar isn't well today - got horrible ulcer like blisters on his tongue -as I said, he wouldn't eat last night and it's got worse as the day has gone on (I started this entry this morning full of film excitement and now I'm all tired and worried about my baby - from enjoying non-motherhood evening to being full-on MUMMY)I rang NHS Direct and our out-of -hours doctor. They recommended what I was already doing - calpol and ibuprofen. The doctor said it could be a common virus where ulcers are inside the mouth called Herpatic something - I should have written it down so I could look it up but I wasn't in a sane state of mind.I went out shopping tonight as I didn't get any done today and he was screaming when I got home - Rob tried to comfort him but he just wanted his mum. So I rocked him and laid him back down again and he seems to be sleeping now but I don't know for how long. He's in a lot of pain I think.If he isn't any better tomorrow we'll get a doctor out - and I'll definitely take him to the docs on Monday. We were supposed to be at a Halloween party this afternoon/evening....his superman suit was all ready to go - ah well. I just want him to feel better and be able to eat - he's so hungry but eating really hurts his little mouth....I'll keep you posted.

Sunday, October 23, 2005

Forgot to mention - the film I made - Everything to Dance For - the one where I'm the mum of a 16 year old - was on the front page of the Sunday Mirror today - read it here. It's a horrible story suggesting that Sasha, who played my daughter, has dumped her boyfriend for Brendan Cole. It's totally untrue - I know this for a fact - the two of them are great mates but there's nothing else to it.I know they say all publicity is good publicity but still - it's horrible. And wierd - to see my friends on the front page of a paper! We've got a screening of the film this week and I hope it doesn't get ruined by this. So if any of you saw it - know that it's all lies but that it's a great film as you can see from the stills in the paper. ooo - showbiz gossip straight from the horses mouth - and I get to be the horse....

The flight home was very full and Oz didn't sleep much but we're home and I'm so happy. Rob was waiting at the door for us and so happy to see us - Oscar was so excited - running from room to room rediscovering his toys and hugging his Daddy's legs. He's been a bit unsettled - was awake at midnight for 2 hours last night and has already woken up twice tonight. Hopefully he'll settle down soon.It's so nice to be home - hearing nothing but English accents. And to sleep in my own bed- god I love my bed - and to be with my man again. I'm still knackered. Just watched Lost and now I'm off to bedWhat a brilliant couple of weeks - meeting my stonecutter chums was the best and I miss them already - and having such a wonderful time with my amazing sister and sis in law - two of the most generous women I am priveleged to know and be related to. Thanks K - you gave me a wonderful gift of you these last two weeks. I know you miss your nephew - he misses you too and sends you dribbly kisses.

Thursday, October 20, 2005

Our trip is coming to an end. I've done so much, had such fun and spent a ton of money! Oscar has been a total trouper - adapting to long drives, late nights and weird food. He tried his first olive last night and wasn't impressed! The day before he had seafood fest - fried shrimp with noodles and steamed veg for lunch, sushi for an afternoon snack (cucumber ones, not raw fish - I'm not that adventurous) and yesterday it was olives in salad.

He seems to share my tastes in food - I don't like olives either.

I bought him his halloween costume- it's kind of tacky - superman! I didn't get myself one as they aren't cheap and I'm running out of cash fast!

Visited Lane Bryant - another favourite store - and got 2 pairs of fab jeans and lots of sexy undies - all silky and lovely - as a present to Rob as much as myself!!! Also went to Borders and got some good books.

The only thing I haven't been able to find are some wide calf boots with a flat heel - I have such fat legs I can never get ones to fit - I've looked everywhere but I don't think they exist.

On Tuesday night Kirsti and I went to the most amazing cinema - a classic 1930's style americana movie house - with neon outside and the little booth outside the door to buy tickets. It's in an area of Detroit called Birmingham and irony of ironies, it's the poshest bit - Birmingham! It was like being home again - streets with pavements and shop fronts, no strip malls - although everything was very posh and swanky and CLEAN so not like the UK B'ham at all! We saw In Her Shoes - a great film - very sisterly - and I ate the best popcorn I think I've ever had in my life. Total fun.

Kirsti and Terry have been amazing hostesses - even down to not letting me pay for my own aspirin! We went to Terry's parent's house last night for a proper sit down family dinner with cake and ice cream in honour of Terry's brother's birthday. Oscar got to play with his three cousins - Spencer, Kallen and Tess who are 5, 2 and 11 months. We were trying to work out what kind of cousins they are - my sister's spouse's brother's kids...anyone any idea? I think cousin works anyway - Oz had great fun chasing them around and playing with cars....typical boy.

I'm excited about going home though - those are the best holidays aren't they, when you've had a brilliant time but you're also happy to be going home. I've missed Rob so much and I know he's missed us - I feel mean having taken his boy away from him for 2 weeks.

So next entry should be back in Blighty - if I manage to pack all the stuff I've accumulated and don't end up having to check Oz in as excess baggage! Hopefully the flight home will be fine - I've learnt that my son is a good traveller which is brilliant.

Monday, October 17, 2005

from the longest roadtrip Oz or I have ever done - 10 hours to get there on Friday then 9 hours back on Sunday - phew - but it was worth every minute.

The gathering of women was awesome. And I wish I was as eloquent as Beege when she describes it but I'm no good at summing it up here - just magical. We laughed, we cried (especially when saying goodbye)....

The thing that gets me, is that I've known these women for about 5 years and the last time we all met up it was wild - drinking, flashing our boobs, smoking, staying up all night.....and it was brilliant. This time it was different - so many of us have had babies....it was a bonding session that often got interrupted by one of us chasing our child, that ended a lot earlier as babies had to be put to bed, but was still an amazing, oestrogen filled, womanly celebratory wonderful weekend.

I met some Stonecutters I hadn't met before including the incomparable, beautiful, wonderful Beege - she's so much younger than I picture her in my head because she's so wise and clever I always see her older - but in the flesh she's a blonde babyfaced gorgeous lady - and her daughter Linnea is an angel - Oz was very impressed.

Poppy was there and it was amazing to see Clara Jane - last time I saw her was at my baby shower and she's so grown up! And so chatty! I loved listening to her talk and chatter and play with Oscar (who is the same height as her!! My child is a freak). Oscar has now joined me in the Poppy food fan club - he ate a HUGE portion of her spinach pesto lasagne and I was so grateful - he needed veggies badly after all the junk we've been eating!

There were so many parts of this weekend I can't write about them all - I will elaborate more later but I just have to thank Tiffey for being the best driver ever and getting us safely there and back. Sara and Cyn for being the best hostesses.

I love my stonecutter sisters. They are truly my family - it's unbelievable to me that we met online because I feel so close to them. If you'd have told me 10 years ago that I'd be hanging out with a bunch of internet buddies in America I'd have laughed. Hell, if you'd have told me I'd be writing about it on the internet I would have pissed myself.

It's just really hitting me how much I've changed, how my life is changing, and how my friendships are evolving and growing and changing but remaining strong throughout my life.

Thursday, October 13, 2005

We spent the day at Great Lakes Crossing - my favourite place to shop in Detroit. We met a friend of Kirsti's who I've met before and had a great time playing around and I spent AGES in Torrid

We had lunch in the Rainforest Cafe - I've always wanted to go there but it's exorbitantly expensive in London. It isn't cheap here but relatively it's possible for us to eat. I ordered Oz the kiddie Mac n Cheese meal - yum yum you'd think. But no. He wasn't interested. He was stealing the food from my plate and I'd ordered.....Calamari. Yes the boy is nuts for squid rings. He was stuffing his face with them. Couldn't get enough.

There's me thinking....aren't you supposed to avoid shellfish until 2 years? But then I remembered a very good article I read about baby food myths. I suppose the main reason is allergies and I watched him very closely in case he reacted. But he seemed absolutely fine. He stuffed himself. And has just eaten the leftovers for dinner.

He's his mother's son. I'm a seafood freak (plus a SEE food freak - I see it, I eat it). I ate a lot of fish and seafood when pregnant and also when breastfeeding so I'm sure he'll be fine. I've got a really good baby monitor here so I can hear him breathing at night - so if he has a late onset reaction I'll know. But I don't think he will.

My NCT group will probably be horrified that I've broken a rule of feeding! But I think the more tastes he tries now, the wider his palate will be. And he loved it. Every bite!

I've tried him on sushi maki rolls before - just the cucumber ones - and he loves those....my cosmopolitan gourmet!

I bought some lovely clothes - 3 tops the same in different colours and 3 pairs of trousers for $50 total. Hoorah for America. And got a couple of sexy bras in Torrid - one is leopard print!

Tuesday, October 11, 2005

Today we went to one of the most bonkers places I know - Frankenmuth - Michigan's Little Bavaria. It's also home to Bronners where it's Christmas 365 days a year - and they put the CHRIST in CHRISTmas....bonkers! But brilliant. Frankenmuth is famous for it's chicken dinners which I appreciated but Oscar wasn't interested. He was a little sod during dinner! It's a total comfort food fest - fried chicken, american stuffing (called dressing), mashed potatoes, buttered noodles and gravy to die for. YUMMMM. I am so fat.

We then wandered around the touristy bits - had our photo taken in Victorian americana outfits in sepia! I'll get Kirsti to scan the pic in. I went to a "stuff your own bear" shop and got Oz a little ginger monkey who is the same colour as Oscar's hair! I stuffed him myself! He has a little wish star inside him and also squawks in a jungle styley. Oscar loves him.

We went inside a maze made of mirrors and Kirsti was totally disorientated. It was hilarious - she really couldn't work out which was reflection and which was person! They gave you plastic gloves so you can hold your hands out in front and not walk straight into a mirror. Good job or K would have been bruised!

A great day out - topped off by a yummy sushi dinner at home in honour of Kirsti and Terry's second wedding anniversary - happy anniversary Sis!

Monday, October 10, 2005

I do so love it here! We're having a great time - yesterday we spent the day here at Blakes Farm in a traditional October Michigan Sunday out - drinking cider (which isn't alcoholic here in America), eating donuts and corn on the cob - walking round a pumpkin patch and hay, riding on a tractor. Oz had a blast!

We had chinese takeout for tea from those cartons like you see in American movies! I had Mu Shu Pork as I've seen Will and Grace have it and had no idea what it was - it's weird - pork and vegetables, rice and hoi sin sauce and pancakes. Like pork crossed with peking duck. Very strange. And I also had Crab Rangoon dumpling thingies which are TO DIE FOR

This morning as a treat from Kirsti and Terry I had my hair done - highlights and cut - I look like a pixie - it's brilliant. I love it - I'll post a pic once Oscar has woken up from his nap as I left the camera in his room! This afternoon we're off to Detroit Zoo.

Sunday, October 09, 2005

The flight was fine - Oz was an absolute angel. Slept while I had my dinner, charmed all the passengers - didn't cry once. Even adapted to the time difference - he slept for an hour on the way home from the airport, then came out to IHOP with us, ate dinner, went to bed at 8pm local time (1am in his mind) and slept through till 7am.

We've had a lovely day hanging out with my friend Tiffany and her family. Went to Red Lobster for dinner - I think it's my new favourite place to eat!

Oz went down like a dream tonight and I'm off to bed myself now

I'll post more when I'm more awake - but just wanted to say I'm here and happy as larry!

Thursday, October 06, 2005

To America tomorrow. I'm still very nervous about the flight. I've packed most of our stuff....got some last minute shopping to do for baby food and stuff to take on the plane...I'm really excited and really apprehensive at the same time - it's mad. I'll have access to the computer and internet while I'm away so will post about the journey over the weekend. Kirsti had forgotten she has a wedding to go to this weekend so I'll be home alone on Saturday and Sunday and I'm sure I'll blog to pass the time.Wish me luck on the flight!

Tuesday, September 27, 2005

Oscar's passport arrived this morning, the tickets are booked - it's official. I'm very nervous but I think we'll be fine (Thanks Beege for the tips below!) We fly out on the 7th and come back on the 21st. I know I'm going to miss Rob so much and he'll miss us both but I think it'll be brilliant. I've already got plans to go out to a proper bar with my friend Tiff who is going to pretend to be British too and be called Camilla! I want to go to the kind of bar I've seen on TV where they have popcorn in little bowls and the bartender talks to you. I want to be awfully awfully british and see how many people tell me my accent is cute. I need to get drunk. And have a laugh. So Kirsti - you'll be babysitting if that's ok! (And morning sitting if I'm hungover.)I've also got a gathering to go to on the weekend of the 15th in Peoria - a harvest hog roast with 100 people - 20 of whom I know and love and can't wait to see.Oh I'm so excited and scared and happy all at the same time! I want to start packing now!I also want to buy Oscar the tackiest halloween outfit I can find. Maybe even get a matching set for me and him....hee hee!!!Hoorah!

Saturday, September 24, 2005

The episode of the Basil Brush Show that I taped way back in April (I think it was) will be on BBC 1 on the 4th November at around 4pm - check local listings for exact time. It's called "I'm a Celebrity, Let Me Back in the Kitchen" and as you may remember I play a Scottish scary wrestler. I won't look gorgeous or glam as I had the flu and conjunctivitis when we shot it. I can't wait to see it though I'm probably going to be hiding under the sofa to see how ugly I look.Hopefully, in a couple of weeks, Oz and I will be going to America to see Kirsti - it depends on whether or not Oscar's passport arrives - I sent it off just over a week ago (I left it a bit late) so hopefully it will be here soon so I can book the tickets. I'm scared about flying with a 13 month old so any advice gratefully received.I'll have internet access (of COURSE at Kirsti's) so I'll keep up the blog when I can. I'm really looking forward to it. I've got a big party to go to with a lot of friends I haven't seen for a long time - all flying in to Peoria for a reunion - on the weekend of the 15th Oct. So I'll be roadtripping with my friend Tiff - should be fun if Oscar behaves. I also want to buy Oz a funky mad halloween outfit - and possibly one for myself! And go to my favourite place to eat in the world - IHOPRight - off to ANOTHER birthday party once the munchkin awakes so I'll sign off and go wrap presents.

Orderliness results were moderately low which suggests you are, at times, overly flexible, improvised, and fun seeking at the expense of reliability, work ethic, and long term accomplishment.

Extraversion results were high which suggests you are overly talkative, outgoing, sociable and interacting at the expense too often of developing your own individual interests and internally based identity.

Friday, September 16, 2005

I blame Dr Who. I was watching an episode on BBC3 from the last series - the one set in the Blitz - with the little boy asking everyone "Are you my mummy?". It was very creepy and scary but also very touching and emotional. Then I came upstairs and held a sleeping Oscar's hand for ten minutes while looking at him and feeling as if my heart would burst at any minute because I love him so much, it's so big, the feeling I have for him, that I can't imagine it can be contained in my body.A friend lost her baby today too - she was 6 weeks pregnant. She contacted me this morning because she was spotting - I had spotting in early pregnancy and I know all too well how terrifying it is. Unfortunately when she had a scan they couldn't find any trace of the baby. I didn't know how to comfort her - she's in Scotland - I wish she was nearer.Another friend had a baby girl this week. Isadora. Isn't that a beautiful name.Such a rollercoaster of emotions......That's what being a mother does to you I think - I'm sure I've said this before. It's like I grew a new gland - a compassion gland. I used to think I was compassionate but becoming a parent gives you a new perspective. You can't bear to imagine a child suffering. You're so much more in touch with fear - you see children on the news or even on fictional TV shows and you ache for them.Like the post recently when I was so upset by the mother who killed herself with her babies. And that story about the mother who was tied up and had to watch her baby die (though actually they've now charged her with murder so I don't think the original story was true - which is even more chilling).I never ever imagined how much more I could feel. I thought I was an emotional person before. I've always worn my heart on my sleeve - I'm impulsive with feelings - I blart them out all over the place. Often without thinking. That's increased tenfold since giving birth.Heh. Do you pity my husband now?I don't know if this makes sense. I'm just splarging it out now. I'm going to bed!

Sunday, September 11, 2005

Ok - we're back from holiday and it was lovely - chicken pox didn't stop us having fun and Oscar was better by Wednesday - will post full holiday report tomorrow but I just had to shareHe walked today - properly - first steps going from me to Rob. He was so bloody pleased with himself as well! Laughing and giggling and throwing himself towards each of us.He's been practising all day while I followed him round with a video camera and we did get it on film.I'm so proud! He's so proud of himself - the joy in his face is wonderful.....Ok - it's late and I'm off to bed - more about holiday plus some pics soon I promise

Saturday, September 03, 2005

Oscar has chickenpox. The spots came out last night - he's been quite grumpy and feverish for a few days - I thought he was cutting another tooth...but little spots popped out last night - all over his scalp and behind his ears. This morning there are more.... We've decided to still go on holiday - he's only contagious if you touch him or if he coughs on you - so we'll avoid other children and pregnant women. It may be a nightmare - we have a 6 hour drive today - but hopefully he'll sleep a bit more... I wanted him to get chickenpox - to get it out of the way -but not on holiday.... Anyway - we'll see how it goes - if he's really unhappy we'll come home again... So hopefully I'll speak to you all next Saturday....

Wednesday, August 31, 2005

"what is the world coming to?". That's bandied around - I've said it so many times over trivial crap. I keep wanting someone to explain it to me.

I've been watching the news as I said earlier. And I was just reading the BBC news website and I'm moved to tears. Death, murder, destruction. A thousand people killed by fear in Iraq - running to get away from a nonexistant suicide bomber. A woman and her two children (9 months old and 5 years old)who jumped to their deaths in front of a train in London - an apparent suicide. A baby who died in a fire with his mother tied up next to him - she watched him suffocate before being rescued. A young mother stabbed to death with her 2 year old son next to her. A drunk man who died because he let his 7 year old son drive his car at 70mph down the motorway - how will that boy ever cope with that?

Sometimes I understand why people don't want to bring a child into a world like this. On a night like this all I want to do is run into Oscar's bed room, scoop him out of his cot and hide under the bed with him until it all goes away.

Human beings frighten me sometimes. How can we do such horrendous things to eachother? Not only do we cope with natural disasters like the Tsunami or Katrina. We also face more peril from our own species.

I don't know how to express it. I'm sad and scared and frightened by my world this evening.

I keep trying to sing "Wonderful World" to myself in my head but I can't stop thinking about all this death......and so much of it involving children. Is it hitting me harder now because I am a mother? I feel everything so much stronger now I understand the bond between parent and child. I don't understand it all. How could a woman throw herself and her babies in front of a train? How could a man let his own son drive a car? How could you ever recover from watching your own baby die in front of you when you're powerless and helpless? How many children and families have died in America? In Iraq? Anywhere?

It's at times like this I almost wish I did have a faith in God to help me understand this, though I must say, I find it even harder to imagine that belief in a higher being that would allow all this to happen.

Rambling now....I'm just shocked to my core by what I'm reading and hearing today....

About Me

I'm a voluptuous wife, mother of 2 ADHD boys (god help me), acting legend (well nearly). I teach preschool Music as Singalong Sally. I live in London, England. I have eclectic tastes and I love photography, glitter and sushi. Especially glitter